The Highlanders may have lost electric fullback Finn Hurley for the season, but they have been boosted by the return of the mercurial Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens for their round nine clash with the Fijian Drua.
Super Rugby Pacific's week-by-week Player of the Year voting system has been bringing fans an insight into which players have been impressing opposition the most in 2025.
Three changes have been made to help the Highlanders' chances against the Western Force in a battle of two teams with just three points separating them on the ladder.
The Brumbies' resilience steered them to a crucial win over the Highlanders on Friday night, with the game hanging in the balance until a late Len Ikitau try put the result beyond doubt.
The ACT Brumbies have moved back inside the Super Rugby Pacific top four, surviving a see-sawing struggle with the Highlanders.
Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to the midfield for Friday’s tough test against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
The Highlanders are sitting pretty in third place on the Super Rugby Pacific table after enjoying a bye week in round four.
There are hallmarks of Joseph's 2015 Super Rugby champions in his newly assembled crop of a decade later.
The Highlanders have switched up their back row combinations and named a forward-heavy bench as they prepare to take on the Blues in Dunedin.